It's not yet known what caused the plane to crash. If even a dusting of snow had accumulated on the wings or tail, that could be enough to cause a crash. Snow and frost easily disrupt the airflow causing reduced lift while increasing the plane's weight at the same time. It's a very dangerous combination. There's also the possibility of a mechanical failure or pilot error. We may not know for sure what caused the crash for months.
As a private pilot, I love small planes but I also acknowledge that they're much more dangerous than airliners flown by professional pilots. Candidates for statewide office have to cover a lot of territory in a hurry, so they spend a lot of time on smaller planes able to get into little airports. As a result, they're at greater risk of being in a crash than most people. I can always look at the sky and decide to stay on the ground. During the closing weeks of a campaign, there's a lot of pressure to fly when it might not be prudent.
Current Events » in reply to I'm not making light of it
The plane went down in light snow and reduced visibility
The whole thread (54 posts)
- Plane crash in Minnesota kills 8 - Paul Wellstone may have been on board
- What're the odds?
- Look at what side makes politics out of this terrible accident
- Times of loss deserve some respect.
- Letting your reflexive leftism get the best of you again. Think first. (n/t) (n/t)
- Ditto Ed + Larry (n/t) (n/t)
- MODERATORS!!
- That's a new low, even for you.
- Wellstone's family was onboard and listed as dead:CNN
- Maybe SDAI-Tech1 is on to something.
- Wellstone Dead: CNN § (n/t)
- He was on the Manifest: CNN
- Paul Wellstone may have been on board
- It appears Wellstone may have been killed
- Better delete this before Lindy sees it...(n/t) (n/t)
- What're the odds?